Hay in stacks
In Nebraska, hay prices fluctuate throughout the year due to several factors, including weather, supply and demand, and quality. For easy access to current hay prices, bookmark the link to CropWatch's hay markets page below.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Fall Thistle Control, Hay Prices and Drought Concerns

September 26, 2024
Herbicide options for pasture thistles during fall, insights on hay price fluctuations due to factors like drought and market conditions, and addressing the impact of dry weather on pasture health and alfalfa harvest timing. 

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Musk thistle
For pastures with noxious weed thistles like this musk thistle, now is the time for spring herbicide applications, while the plants are still in the short rosette to bolted growth stages prior to flowering. (Photo by Gary Stone)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Selecting Summer Forages, Thistle Control Options

May 9, 2024
Insights on pasture rental rates, selecting summer forage based on needs for your operation, and control options for noxious weed thistles in pastures.

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Hunter with German shorthaired pointers in field
In crop and pasture land leases, hunting rights default to the tenant unless otherwise stipulated in a verbal or written agreement.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Hunting Rights with Land Leases, Fall Thistle Control

October 3, 2023
A look at landlord and tenant hunting rights in land leases, and tips on managing pasture thistles this fall.

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Fall armyworm caterpillar

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing for Interseeding, Controlling Thistles and Fall Armyworms

September 27, 2022
Following last year's atypical infestation of fall armyworm caterpillars, extension educators urge preparedness in the event of a reoccurrence this fall. Plus — why overgrazing is a good strategy prior to interseeding legumes.

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Musk thistle

Pasture and Forage Minute: Scouting for Thistles and Fall Armyworms, Soybean Residue as Forage

September 29, 2021
Extension educators review their tips for controlling thistles in pastures, scouting for fall armyworms and how to meet nutritional requirements while grazing soybean residue.

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musk thistle

Fall Thistle Control in Pastures

September 30, 2020
Fall, specifically October and early November, is a key time to chemically control thistles in pastures, both biennial and perennial thistles. Proper identification of thistles is key to picking the proper chemical control.

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Thistle rosette - best controlled in the fall.
Figure 1. This fall scout for and treat small thistles before they become more difficult to treat next spring.

Thistle Control in October

September 19, 2019
Timing is everything when controlling troublesome #thistle patches. Herbicides work best in the fall when rosettes are small.

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thistle rosette

Controlling Thistles in October

September 25, 2017
Timing is everything, especially with thistle control in pastures. October and November are the optimum times to control these weeds even if they can be hard to see at this time.

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